Veteran Marathi actress and Lavani artist Madhu Kambikar dies at 73 in Pune after prolonged illness, reported ABP Majha.
M Snehanjali
October 12, 2026 / 14:35 IST
Madhu Kambikar held a special place in Marathi cinema, having appeared in numerous films throughout her career.
Veteran Marathi actress and Lavani artist Madhu Kambikar has passed away at the age of 73 on October 12.
As per ABP Majha, her demise was followed by prolonged health issues. She breathed her last in Pune, as per reports.
Tributes and condolence messages have been pouring in following the news of her death, with admirers remembering her contribution to Marathi entertainment and her distinctive style of acting.
Madhu Kambikar held a special place in Marathi cinema, having appeared in numerous films throughout her career. Alongside her acting, she was widely recognised for her Lavani performances and her contribution to preserving and popularising the traditional Maharashtrian dance form. Her natural acting style and ability to portray a range of characters helped her connect with audiences across generations.
She was particularly appreciated for her portrayals of mothers and mothers-in-law in Marathi films. However, a major health setback eventually forced the veteran performer to step away from the art form that had defined much of her life.
One of the most difficult periods in Madhu Kambikar’s life began on November 27, 2016, when she suffered a stroke following a dance performance in Mumbai. The actress was participating in a programme titled Lavanya Sangeet at Yashwant Natya Mandir in Matunga.
The performance was particularly significant for her, as she was returning to the stage to dance after a gap of 12 years. However, her health suddenly deteriorated while she was performing.
Despite feeling unwell, Madhu Kambikar continued with her performance and completed it before heading to the makeup room. Her condition worsened shortly afterwards, and she suffered a stroke. Reports stated that she lost sensation in her right hand and was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
The health complications that followed significantly affected her life and eventually forced her to remain away from acting and performing. For an artist whose career had revolved around the stage and screen, the setback marked a difficult chapter.
Madhu Kambikar’s contribution to Marathi entertainment was recognised at the Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards in 2018, when she was announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
However, owing to her health, she could not attend the ceremony in person. Her daughter-in-law, Sheetal Jadhav, accepted the honour on her behalf.
The recognition celebrated a career that extended across several forms of entertainment, including films, folk theatre, commercial plays and television serials. From stage performances to memorable roles on the big screen, Madhu Kambikar built a lasting legacy through her work.
Madhu Kambikar began her career with stage performances before moving into films. Over the years, she became a familiar face in Marathi cinema, earning appreciation for her versatility and her ability to bring authenticity to her characters.
Her performance in veteran director Rajdutt’s film Shapit was particularly noted. She also appeared in several other Marathi films, including Hech Mazha Maher, Raghumaina, Ek Hota Vidushak, Zhapatlela, Debu and Yeu Ka Gharat.
Madhu Kambikar’s passing marks the loss of a veteran artist whose contribution extended beyond acting to the rich tradition of Lavani. Her body of work remains an important part of Marathi cinema and Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom.
first published: Oct 12, 2026 11:35 am
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